7 P.m., Minneapolis

The game--Bears` second of eight against NFC Central Division opponents.

Last game--Nov. 25, 1984, in the Metrodome. Bears won 34-3 when Steve Fuller completed 12 of 19 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Walter Payton ran for 117 yards and a touchdown. Vikings` quarterback Wade Wilson was sacked three times and intercepted twice.

What to watch--When the Vikings have the ball, quarterback Tommy Kramer has the experience and quick release to avoid sacks and interceptions and find the open man. He has used eight different receivers, led by a tight end, Steve Jordan. Running back Darrin Nelson is as quick a back as the Bears will face. When the Bears have the ball, they will try to avoid turnovers, which the Vikings have feasted on. Running back Walter Payton is not 100 percent healthy, and ailing No. 1 quarterback Jim McMahon won`t start, but the Bears should be able to run a ball-control offense with short passes over the middle from Fuller.

Key matchups--Vikings` center Dennis Swilley vs. Bears` defensive right tackle Dan Hampton. In the ``46`` alignment, Hampton is over the nose. He is angry that he has not yet made a sack. He would like to celebrate his 28th birthday Thursday.

-- Bears` right guard Kurt Becker vs. Vikings` defensive left tackle Doug Martin. Although Martin starts at left end, he often moves to tackle in the pass rush. He leads the club in sacks.